Chapter 1 of Great Gatsby

Chapter one

 

The book is narrated my Nick

The book begins with Nick saying 'when you feel like criticising anyone ... just remember that all the people in the world haven't had the advantages that you've had' this shows that Nick believes he has high moral values but also shows that he comes from a wealthy family.

We are introduced to the character Gatsby and from the shirt description given we learn that Nick regarded very highly. and changed the way he views life.

The title is the Great Gatsby - Why is he great?

 

Nicks family ran a prosperous family business - believes he is descended from a wealthy and high status background.

He decided to go into the bond business.

 

 

- The language is very matter of fact like a biography

 

Introduced to Daisy (Nicks 2nd cousin once removed) and Tom (her husband).

• Tom has got lots of money also from a wealthy background
• Nick is very descriptive about Toms face and body
• You already have a feeling of Toms character by the description e.g. 'arrogant eyes' and ' a cruel body'

The name Daisy is used in literature for the idea of an unattainable lover.

Nick goes and visits Daisy and Tom, again Nick is very descriptive about their house - encourages the view of them being very rich (lists of references to light and gold eg reflected gold)

Introduced to Jordon Baker

•  The name Jordon = masculine name
• Dressed also very masculine (tom boy)

There are lots of sound references. (unquiet darkness)

He personifies the night - makes it come alive

Fitzgerald was influenced by John Keats (a poet he was very romantic) Mr Gatsby is the stereotype of the the romantic character.

 

When Nick is looking out of his window he sees a cats silhouette

- there are lots of silhouettes and shadows used. 

- only see a shadow of Gatsby (shadow = idea of what he is - only has rumours to base his views on him)

there is a fascination with new technology throughout this chapter and the rest of the novel eg. telephones, cars and mechanical objects.

 

Book is very cinematic due to the dramatic imagery

There is a lot of emphasis put on the use of colours and lights. very bright and vivid.